new research on hiv, page-8

SOMTHING to read while we Wait.. An Artical from an Aussie Bio Mag...


Biotron Limited (ASX: BIT)
Biotron Limited (MCap A$30.8M, not rated, ASX: BIT). Company’s primary focus is on
development of new mode of action antiviral therapeutics targeting HIV and Hepatitis-C
(HCV). Both markets represent multibillion market opportunity. BIT225 is a lead candidate
which blocks assembly of new virus particles.
There are multiple market opportunities for BIT225. The candidate has the potential to be
used with IFN/Ribavirin treatment or in combination with new direct acting antivirals, DAAs
(i.e. combination of nucleoside polymerase inhibitor and NS5a). Addition of a third drug such
as BIT225 to these DAA combos could potentially retard development of virus resistance.
Data from Phase II HCV trial looks very encouraging with 100% SVR (Sustain Virological
Response) at 48 weeks.
In addition, BIT225 is uniquely placed due to dual anti-HIV and anti–HCV activity with a
Phase II trial in HIV/HCV recently launched.


EVR (Early Virological Response): EVR means that hepatitis C viral load has dropped by
99% (2 logs), or is undetectable after 12 weeks of HCV treatment. An EVR is a good
predictor of the ultimate response to HCV treatment.
SVR (Sustained Virological Response): SVR means that there is no hepatitis C virus
detectable in the blood six months after a person completes HCV treatment. Many
experts regard SVR as a cure, and it is an indication of long-term remission. SVR rates
are always lower than response rates from earlier time points.
With large pharmaceutical companies eager to cash out for new anti-HCV candidates we
view Biotron Ltd as one of the most exciting small cap stories.
Given the strong data from GS-7977 and daclatasvir (NS5A) combo, as well as GS-
7977/GS-5885/Ribavirin combo presented last week at AASLD 2012, we believe the pivotal
factor for Biotron’s BIT225 will be to show high SVR rates without pegylated interferon and
potentially Ribavirin (current standard of care).Kv1.3 -
Source:
Biotron Limited (ASX: BIT)
Biotron Limited (MCap A$30.8M, not rated, ASX: BIT). Company’s primary focus is on
development of new mode of action antiviral therapeutics targeting HIV and Hepatitis-C
(HCV). Both markets represent multibillion market opportunity. BIT225 is a lead candidate
which blocks assembly of new virus particles.
There are multiple market opportunities for BIT225. The candidate has the potential to be
used with IFN/Ribavirin treatment or in combination with new direct acting antivirals, DAAs
(i.e. combination of nucleoside polymerase inhibitor and NS5a). Addition of a third drug such
as BIT225 to these DAA combos could potentially retard development of virus resistance.
Data from Phase II HCV trial looks very encouraging with 100% SVR (Sustain Virological
Response) at 48 weeks.
In addition, BIT225 is uniquely placed due to dual anti-HIV and anti–HCV activity with a
Phase II trial in HIV/HCV recently launched.


EVR (Early Virological Response): EVR means that hepatitis C viral load has dropped by
99% (2 logs), or is undetectable after 12 weeks of HCV treatment. An EVR is a good
predictor of the ultimate response to HCV treatment.
SVR (Sustained Virological Response): SVR means that there is no hepatitis C virus
detectable in the blood six months after a person completes HCV treatment. Many
experts regard SVR as a cure, and it is an indication of long-term remission. SVR rates
are always lower than response rates from earlier time points.
With large pharmaceutical companies eager to cash out for new anti-HCV candidates we
view Biotron Ltd as one of the most exciting small cap stories.
Given the strong data from GS-7977 and daclatasvir (NS5A) combo, as well as GS-
7977/GS-5885/Ribavirin combo presented last week at AASLD 2012, we believe the pivotal
factor for Biotron’s BIT225 will be to show high SVR rates without pegylated interferon and
potentially Ribavirin (current standard of care).